Released: 2020

Genres: Neo-Psychedelia, Psychedelic Pop, Dream Pop

The Musiquarium’s American Head Review Score: 8 out of 10

On The Flaming Lips’ 16th album, which arrived only one year after 2019’s Mick Jones-narrated concept album King’s Mouth: Music and Songs, frontman/vocalist Wayne Coyne revisits his past, focusing on his upbringing in 1970s America, through shades of nostalgia and pain.

Will You Return / When You Come Down is one of the band’s best openers since the band’s heyday, gripping you with an emotional resonance. Several songs recall Coyne’s early experiences taking drugs with his older brothers, such as Mother I’ve Taken LSD, At the Movies on Quaaludes and You and Me Sellin’ Weed. Watching the Lightbugs Glow and God and the Policeman are both notable for featuring vocals from country/folk singer-songwriter, Kacey Musgraves.

American Head is perhaps The Flaming Lips’ most grounded and organic-sounding record, foregoing much of the musical darkness and acid-soaked experimentation that inhabits much of their work. The record exhibits plenty of piano and acoustic guitars, and the entire vibe of the record gives it a unique place in the band’s discography. It’s not as groundbreaking or innovative as The Soft Bulletin or Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots were, but it’s an exceptional record for having been released three decades into the band’s career.

For credit breakdowns and historic release details, view The Flaming Lips on Discogs.

Back to the 2020 Album Guide or the The Flaming Lips Reviews page.

Written by Brett Nippard